State Health Policy

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Morgan Cowling (right), the outgoing executive director of the Universal Health Plan Governance Board, reads from a document during the panel's first meeting in April 2024. Jennifer Donovan (left), a senior policy advisor, will serve as interim executive director after Cowling resigned. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Top staffer to Oregon's universal health care board resigns

Nine months after its launch the new state board tasked with crafting a plan for universal health care in Oregon needs to replace its top staffer

Jan 16
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State Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, speaks during a legislative hearing in December 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon’s health care staffing shortages could get relief under new bills

Two influential Democrats have joined a Republican lawmaker on efforts to make it easier for out-of-state professionals to ease staffing problems and help patient access

Jan 16
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Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman speaks about his efforts to curb what critics call the "corporatization of medicine" at the Oregon Health Forum on Oct. 16, 2024, in Portland. To his left is Brian Kelly, CEO of Women’s Healthcare Associates. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bowman reboots Oregon push to limit corporate control of medicine

The revived bill addresses criticism from providers, multinational corporations and other interests that helped sink it last year

Jan 14
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FREESTOCKS/UNSPLASH

As pharmacies keep closing, Oregon lawmakers will try again to change how they’re paid

Bill seeks stronger curbs on the pharmaceutical benefit companies accused of strong-arm business practices

Jan 9
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A view of OHSU's South Waterfront campus in September 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

OHSU's takeover of Legacy Health would violate federal market standards, advocates say

Nationally known voices contend the proposed hospital merger would far exceed market consolidation limits set by the federal government that are intended to preserve competition and keep costs down. The university argues that it is exempt from those federal limits, adding that the deal's benefits to the public outweigh any downsides.

Jan 7
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A view of the Oregon State Capitol in November 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers outline plans, priorities for health care in session

The upcoming five-month session could lead to significant progress, according to a legislative panel

Jan 7
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A view of the Oregon State Hospital spire from the courtyard on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS

Oregon should be held in federal contempt for mental health failures, advocates tell judge

New court filing claims state officials have ignored a predictable situation in which the civil rights of mentally ill people are violated on a routine basis

Jan 7
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Rachel Solotaroff at Portland's Old Town Clinic. | COURTESY CENTRAL CITY CONCERN

How Oregon health officials are preparing for change under Trump

Oregonians’ health care could face more change than most states under the new federal administration, and Dr. Sejal Hathi, director of the state health authority, said officials are preparing to respond quickly as things happen

Jan 3
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Dr. Lisa Reynolds, a pediatrician and Democratic lawmaker, speaks at the CCO Oregon conference in Salem in Sept. 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Kids' health in mind, Lisa Reynolds gains clout in new Senate role

Already a strong voice in health policy, the Legislature’s only physician says prevention and better childhood development will improve behavioral health.

Jan 2
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Portland, Oregon. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Shortages of funds but not of issues marked Oregon health care in 2024

With health care undergoing rapid transformation, officials and lawmakers have struggled to keep up as ripple effects hit patients, providers and members of the public

Dec 31, 2024
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